What does this mean for homebuyers? I spoke with Geoff Lee of GLM Mortgage Group to give you the full details.

“The new guidelines will require that all conventional mortgages (those with a down payment higher than 20%) will have to undergo stress testing. Stress testing means that the borrower would have to qualify at the greater of the five-year benchmark rate published by the Bank of Canada (currently at 4.89%) or the contractual mortgage rate +2% (5 year fixed at 3.19% +2%=5.19% qualifying rate).”

These changes effectively mean that a buyer’s borrowing power is directly impacted—up to a decrease of 25%. Let’s look at an example:

BUYING A HOME

When buying a home with these new guidelines, borrowing power is also restricted. Using the scenario of a dual income family making a combined annual income of $85,000 the borrowing amount would be:

Current Lending Guidelines

Qualifying at a rate of 3.34% with a 25-year amortization and the combined income of $85,000 annually, the couple can purchase a home at $560,000

New lending Guidelines

Qualifying at a rate of 5.34% (contract mortgage rate +2%) with a 25-year amortization and the combined annual income of $85,000 you would be able to purchase a home of only $455,000.

*For more information on the other guidelines, read GLM’s full article HERE

In the above scenario, it is a scary thought that you would qualify for 20-25% less than you would under today’s current lending guidelines. In our Fraser Valley markets, this is exceptionally significant when the average detached home price is well above $800,000.

What can be done? If you are thinking of buying, you may want to do so before these new guidelines take full effect in January of 2018. The market has maintained high median prices and low inventory over the past several months—and with the rate increases plus this new announcement- it is getting harder and harder to buy a home. Don’t wait- give me a call today and let’s meet to discuss how you can win! And remember, here at Young Real Estate Group, we get you more.

Housing has become a valued asset in an investment portfolio. Greater Vancouver has become viewed as a hotspot for global investors. This month, statistics explain why adding real estate to your portfolio just might be the way to go.

The market speed for the Fraser Valley is 36% which officially makes it a seller’s market. This is due to a number of factors, but let’s start with sales. Total sales last month were 1464 which is 26% greater year over year and 14% last month over month.

Next up, sale price. The median sale price was $682,000 which is a 15% increase over this time last year and a 1 percent increase over the previous month.

Finally, active listings. There were 4060 active listings last month which is a 9% decrease over this time last year and a 5% increase month over month. A property was on the market for 16 days before selling which is no change from one year ago and 23% more than the previous month.

If you would like to see what the market stats for you specific area are, or would like to talk about listing your home please do not hesitate to contact us.